There’s nothing quite as off-putting as walking into your home and being hit with that distinctive musty smell. It’s one of those problems that creeps up on you gradually, and before you know it, you’ve become nose-blind to it whilst everyone else who visits can smell it immediately.
I’ve dealt with this issue a few times over the years, particularly in certain rooms that don’t get great ventilation. Living in Melbourne’s outer suburbs means dealing with everything from humid summer days to cold, damp winters, and both can contribute to that musty smell that nobody wants in their home.
What Actually Causes Musty Smells
The musty smell in your house is almost always caused by mould, mildew, or bacteria growing somewhere. These things love moisture and darkness, which is why you’ll often notice the smell more in bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and other areas that don’t get much airflow.
Sometimes the smell is obvious because you can see the mould growing on walls or in corners. Other times, it’s hidden away in places you wouldn’t normally look like inside air conditioning units, under floorboards, or behind furniture that’s been pushed up against external walls.
The good news is that once you find the source, it’s usually fixable. The bad news is that sometimes finding the source takes a bit of detective work.
Common Places Where Musty Smells Hide
Bathrooms and Laundries
These are the obvious culprits because they’re constantly exposed to moisture. Check around the shower screens, under the sink, around the toilet base, and in any cupboards. Sometimes mould grows behind the bathroom vanity or in the space between the wall tiles and the waterproofing.
In the laundry, the washing machine itself can be a source of musty smells. If you’ve got a front loader, the rubber seal around the door is notorious for trapping moisture and growing mould. I had this problem with mine and didn’t realise for ages because I wasn’t really looking at it properly.
Carpets and Rugs
If you’ve ever spilled something on carpet and not dried it properly, or if you’ve had a leak that’s soaked into the carpet padding underneath, you’re going to get that musty smell. Even cleaning the surface doesn’t help if the padding underneath is still damp and mouldy.
I learned this the hard way when one of my cats knocked over a water bowl on the carpet and I thought I’d cleaned it up well enough. A few weeks later, that corner of the room had a terrible musty smell.
Air Conditioning Units
Split system air conditioners can harbour mould in the internal parts, especially if you live somewhere humid. The condensation that builds up inside provides the perfect environment for mould to grow. When you turn the unit on, it just blows that musty smell throughout the room.
Wardrobes and Cupboards
Dark, enclosed spaces with poor ventilation are mould magnets. If you’ve got clothes packed in too tightly or stored away for long periods, they can develop that musty smell. This is especially common with wardrobes against external walls where condensation can form.
Under the House
If you’ve got a house with a crawl space or subfloor area, moisture can build up down there and cause musty smells that drift up through the floorboards. This is more common in older wooden homes than newer places with concrete slabs.
Quick Fixes That Don’t Actually Work Long Term
Before we get into proper solutions, let me save you some time and money by telling you what doesn’t work.
Air Fresheners and Scented Candles
These just mask the smell temporarily. You’re not fixing the problem, you’re just covering it up. As soon as the air freshener wears off, the musty smell comes back. I’ve seen people spend a fortune on fancy candles and diffusers when the money would be better spent actually addressing the moisture problem.
Opening Windows for Five Minutes
Sure, fresh air helps, but if you’ve got a moisture problem, opening the windows for a few minutes isn’t going to fix it. You need sustained ventilation and you need to address the source of the moisture.
Just Cleaning the Visible Mould
If you can see mould on your walls and you just wipe it off without fixing why it’s growing there in the first place, it’s going to come straight back. You need to address the underlying moisture issue.
Permanent Solutions That Actually Work
Improve Ventilation
This is probably the most important thing you can do. Mould needs moisture and stagnant air to thrive, so improving airflow makes a huge difference.
In bathrooms, always run the exhaust fan during and after showers. I leave mine running for at least 15-20 minutes after I’m done. If you don’t have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, getting one installed is probably the best money you’ll spend. You can pick up decent bathroom exhaust fans from Bunnings for under $100, though you’ll need an electrician to install it properly.
For general living areas, opening windows regularly helps, especially if you can get cross-ventilation happening. Even in winter when it’s cold, opening windows for 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference in reducing humidity.
Use a Dehumidifier
If you live in a particularly humid area or have rooms that are prone to dampness, a dehumidifier is worth the investment. You can pick these up from Bunnings, The Good Guys, or Harvey Norman. The prices vary quite a bit depending on the size and features, but even a basic one from Kmart will help in smaller rooms.
I’ve got one that I move around to different rooms as needed. The amount of water these things pull out of the air is actually quite surprising when you first start using one.
Fix Leaks Immediately
This seems obvious, but I’ve known plenty of people who have had slow leaks that they’ve just put off fixing. Whether it’s a dripping tap, a leaking shower screen, or water pooling somewhere it shouldn’t, fix it as soon as you notice it. The longer you leave it, the worse the moisture damage becomes and the harder it is to get rid of the musty smell.
Clean Your Washing Machine Properly
Front loader washing machines need regular cleaning to prevent mould growth. Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar or one of those washing machine cleaner products from Woolworths or Coles every month or so. Also, leave the door and detergent drawer open after each wash to let it dry out properly.
I used to close the washing machine door straight after using it, thinking I was being tidy. Turns out I was just creating a perfect environment for mould to grow in the rubber seal.
Deal With Carpet and Underlay Issues
If you’ve got musty smells coming from carpet, you might need to pull it up and check the underlay. If the underlay is mouldy, it needs to be replaced. You can buy carpet underlay from flooring specialists or Bunnings if you want to DIY it, but for large areas you might be better off getting a professional carpet layer to do it.
Sometimes it’s worth just replacing the carpet entirely if it’s old and has absorbed moisture over the years. This isn’t cheap, but neither is living with a constantly musty-smelling house.
Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced
Most people don’t realise that air conditioners need regular servicing. The filters get dirty, condensation builds up, and mould starts growing inside. Getting it professionally cleaned costs anywhere from $80 to $150 depending on who you use, but it’s worth it if your unit is blowing musty air around.
You can also clean the filters yourself. Most split systems have filters you can slide out and wash under the tap. I do mine every few months and it definitely helps keep the air fresh.
Treat Mould on Walls Properly
If you’ve got mould on walls, you need to kill it properly, not just wipe it off. You can use a solution of one part bleach to four parts water, or there are specific mould removal products available from Bunnings and Woolworths. Products like CLR Mould Remover or Exit Mould work pretty well.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves and have good ventilation when using these products. Spray it on, leave it for the recommended time, then scrub it off. Sometimes you need to do this a few times for stubborn mould.
For really bad mould problems, especially if it’s spread over large areas, you might need to get professional mould remediation done. This isn’t cheap, but if you’ve got a serious mould problem, it’s worth getting experts in to deal with it properly.
Address Condensation Issues
If you’re getting condensation forming on windows or walls, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms, you need to reduce the humidity in those rooms. This goes back to ventilation and possibly using a dehumidifier.
In bedrooms, condensation often forms because people sleep with windows closed and doors shut, so all the moisture from breathing builds up overnight. Try to keep a window cracked open, even just a tiny bit, or keep the bedroom door open to allow air circulation.
Preventing Musty Smells From Coming Back
Once you’ve dealt with the source of the musty smell, you want to make sure it doesn’t come back. Here’s what I do to keep my house smelling fresh.
Regular Cleaning Routine
I know cleaning isn’t everyone’s favourite activity, but regular cleaning really does help prevent musty smells. Pay particular attention to bathrooms and kitchens where moisture builds up. Wipe down surfaces regularly, clean up spills immediately, and don’t let wet towels or clothes sit around.
Keep Indoor Plants Under Control
I love indoor plants, but they can contribute to humidity if you’ve got too many of them or you’re overwatering them. Make sure pots have proper drainage and you’re not leaving them sitting in saucers of water.
Store Clothes Properly
Don’t pack wardrobes too tightly. Clothes need some air circulation around them. If you’re storing clothes away for the season, make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them away, and consider using moisture absorber products in the storage containers.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Water getting into your roof space can cause musty smells that drift down into your living areas. Check your gutters are clear and your roof isn’t leaking, especially after heavy rain. This is one of those maintenance tasks that’s easy to forget about until you’ve got a problem.
Monitor Humidity Levels
You can pick up a basic hygrometer from Bunnings or Kmart for under $20 that measures humidity. Ideal indoor humidity is between 30-50%. If you’re consistently above that, you need to work on reducing moisture in your home.
Specific Solutions for Different Rooms
Bathrooms
Beyond the general ventilation advice, consider switching to a shower curtain that dries quickly rather than one that stays damp. Squeegee the shower screen or tiles after each use to remove excess water. Keep bathroom cleaning products handy so you can do quick spot cleans regularly rather than letting grime build up.
Bedrooms
If you’ve got an ensuite or if the bedroom is near the bathroom, make sure moisture isn’t transferring from one room to the other. Keep bedroom furniture a few centimetres away from external walls to allow air circulation. Wash bedding regularly because it absorbs moisture from your body overnight.
Laundry
Don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washing machine. Transfer them to the dryer or clothesline straight away. If you’ve got a dryer, make sure it’s vented properly to the outside. Clean the lint filter after every use. Keep the laundry door open when possible to let air circulate.
Kitchen
The kitchen can get quite humid from cooking, especially if you’re boiling things or using the dishwasher. Use the range hood when cooking. Check under the sink regularly for any leaks from the plumbing. Clean the bin regularly because old food scraps can contribute to bad smells.
Living Areas
If you’ve got a split system in the living room, use it properly. In summer, use the cooling mode but don’t set it too cold as this creates more condensation. In winter, the heating mode also helps reduce humidity. Clean or replace filters regularly.
When to Call in Professionals
Sometimes the musty smell problem is beyond what you can DIY. If you’ve tried everything and the smell persists, or if you suspect you might have a serious mould problem behind walls or under floors, it’s time to call in professionals.
Building inspectors can use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find hidden sources of dampness. Mould remediation specialists have industrial equipment and expertise to deal with large-scale mould problems safely.
Yes, this costs money, but if you’ve got a persistent moisture problem causing structural damage or affecting your health, it’s worth getting it sorted properly rather than continuing to throw money at temporary fixes.
The Health Side of Things
It’s worth mentioning that living with mould and musty smells isn’t just unpleasant, it can actually affect your health. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, but symptoms can include respiratory problems, headaches, and general fatigue.
If anyone in your household has asthma or allergies, getting rid of the musty smell and the mould causing it becomes even more important. Kids are particularly susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality.
My Personal Experience
I had a persistent musty smell in one of the bedrooms when I first moved into my current place. I tried everything, cleaning the carpets, using air fresheners, opening windows constantly. Eventually I discovered that the problem was condensation forming on the external wall behind the wardrobe.
The wall was barely warm to touch, and when I moved the wardrobe away from it, I found mould growing up the wall. The fix involved treating the mould, improving the room’s ventilation, and keeping the wardrobe about 10cm away from the wall to allow air circulation. Problem solved.
The whole experience taught me that musty smells are always caused by moisture, and you can’t fix them permanently until you address that moisture source. Everything else is just a temporary bandaid.
Cost of Fixing Musty Smell Problems
Here’s a rough guide to what you might spend on fixing musty smell issues:
Budget options that cost under $50 include moisture absorber products from Bunnings or Woolworths, white vinegar for cleaning, basic mould removal sprays, and cleaning products. These work well for minor issues.
Mid-range solutions between $50-300 include basic dehumidifiers from Kmart or Big W, bathroom exhaust fan installation if you DIY the electrical work (though you really should get a sparkie to do it properly), carpet cleaning hire from Bunnings, new carpet underlay for a small room, and professional air conditioner cleaning.
Major fixes above $300 include quality dehumidifiers from The Good Guys or Harvey Norman, professional mould remediation, carpet replacement for large areas, fixing significant leaks or water damage, and professional building inspections.
The key is to start with the cheap options and work your way up only if needed. Most musty smell problems can be solved without spending a fortune.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with musty smells is one of those home maintenance issues that’s tedious but necessary. The good news is that once you’ve identified and fixed the source of the moisture, it’s usually not that hard to keep the problem from coming back.
The main thing is to not ignore it. That musty smell is your house telling you there’s a moisture problem that needs addressing. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets, and the more expensive it becomes to fix.
I reckon most Australian homes deal with some level of dampness and potential for musty smells, especially in bathrooms and laundries. It’s just part of home ownership. The difference is whether you tackle it properly or just try to cover it up with air fresheners.
Sort out your ventilation, fix your leaks, keep things clean and dry, and you should be able to keep your house smelling fresh without too much ongoing effort. And if you can’t figure it out yourself, don’t be too proud to call in someone who can. Living with a musty-smelling house just isn’t worth it.
